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Handhold needed - my girls have been killed

8 replies

Rostbif · 18/03/2021 08:29

I just went out to feed my 7 hens this morning, and I've found 5 dead. One is missing and one seems ok. This is my first time having chickens, we've had them a year, and I'm heartbroken 😕 I know that it's not the end of the world, and that it doesn't even compare to the awful time so many people have been having in the last year, but I'm so sad for my poor girls.
I don't know what to do about the one remaining hen. I guess I should try to find her some company?
Thanks for listening.

OP posts:
sycamorescrumptious · 18/03/2021 08:35

Sympathies OP, it's horrible when this happens. I assume fox attack? It makes it all the worse I think that they don't even take all the hens to eat - it just feels senseless!

I would say to increase your pen security as much as possible before getting new hens, as now the fox knows there are hens here he may well be back.

BoffinMum · 18/03/2021 08:36

So sorry to hear this. What a shock.

Windy1234 · 18/03/2021 08:36

So sorry to hear this, i agree with the above poster, the fox knows where to come now so make sure everything is very secure.

Fox attacks are so evil,if they just took one it wouldnt be so bad but to clear them out 😔

Wildswimming3 · 18/03/2021 08:54

so sorry, happened to me many times. Were they in a run? I used to lose mine in the day, we have a paddock and foxes used to come across and take them in front of us! We now have electric fencing and havent lost one in 2 years. Its an initial expense (we use a solar energiser) but easy to set up and then no further cost.

I would get a couple of new girls as your remaining hen may pick on just one newbie.

Wildswimming3 · 18/03/2021 08:56

And its fine to be upset, i lost one to old age yesterday and felt sad.

womaninatightspot · 18/03/2021 09:12

My sympathies. This happened to me once; sounds awful but if you leave the carcasses the fox will return and take them away.

Rostbif · 18/03/2021 12:04

Thanks everyone. They were in their shed thing during the night, and something (probably a fox) managed to rip a panel of the side. Lesson learned - chicken house will now be turned into a fortress.
I've always assumed that losing chickens is all part of the process, but I was shocked at just how sad I was. It's really easy to get very attached to your girls, isn't it?

OP posts:
pollyglot · 07/08/2021 07:01

I'm so sorry about your girls - yes, they are very endearing, aren't they? Best of luck with fox-proofing - we don't have them here, so that's not a problem i've had to deal with. All the best x

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